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Legendary Premier League goalkeeper Petr Cech will retire from professional football at the end of the season.

Cech has enjoyed a wonderful career in England with both Chelsea and most recently Arsenal. The former Czech Republic captain has been a fantastic servant for both clubs, operating at the very highest level. The 36-year-old holds the record for clean sheets in the Premier League as well as lifting four league titles and one Champions League crown.

His departure will be a massive blow to the Arsenal dressing room and leaves Unai Emery with a gap that needs to be filled. Adding competition to Bernd Leno in between the sticks will be one of the Spaniard’s top priorities in the summer transfer window. Reports in the Daily Mail suggest that the Gunners could make a move for Burnley’s Nick Pope.

Instead, Arsenal should be aiming higher and make a move for Fiorentina starlet – Alban Lafont. Valued at £11.7m by Transfermarkt, the 20-year-old was earmarked as a star for the future after progressing through the Toulouse youth academy. After breaking into the first-team, he was snapped up by the Italian side this summer, who paid £7m to lure the talented ‘keeper to the Serie A.

Lafont has performed well since making the move abroad, keeping seven clean sheets in the league so far. The France U20 international possesses excellent reflexes and his size allows him to pull off miraculous save. His vast amount of experience at such a young age is extremely rare and should make adapting to life in the Premier League much easier.

Developing and improving with every game, Lafont could prove to be a massive star at the Emirates.

Arsenal fans, thoughts?

Robin Koch could leave Leeds United in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Danny Mills, with the former Leeds United right-back claiming in a recent interview with Football Insider that, after struggling to impress when deployed at both centre-back and central midfield, Jesse Marsch could look to sign an upgrade on the 25-year-old this summer – something that could subsequently see the Germany international depart Elland Road.

Regarding Koch’s position in the Leeds squad, Mills said: “He hasn’t really found a position. He’s OK here, he’s OK there and he’s decent there. You don’t look at it and go, ‘he is playing centre-half’ or ‘he’s playing defensive midfield.’

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“That is difficult for a player and also for a manager. Where does he fit in? Can the manager get somebody to do a specific job in that position who is maybe a little bit better?

“Sometimes being a utility player is great but it often means you are on the fringes. You are often second-choice in six or seven different positions.”

“The new manager will be looking to bring in two or three of his own players, players that he wants. If that means you have to get a couple out then so be it.”

Marsch can axe Koch with Luiz Felipe

While Koch is undoubtedly a player who boasts a significant amount of potential, it is undeniable that the 25-year-old has so far failed to live up to initial expectations following his £13m move to Elland Road in August 2020.

This has been particularly evident over his 14 Premier League appearances this term, in which the £15.3m-rated centre-back has made an average of 1.1 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and 2.1 clearances per game, in addition to being dribbled past 1.2 times and winning 4.1 duels – at a success rate of just 46% – per outing.

These returns have seen the £46k-per-week defender who Beren Cross dubbed both “horrible to watch” and “not good enough” earlier this season average a disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.56, ranking him as the Whites’ sixth-worst player in the league.

As such, it is perhaps no surprise that Victor Orta was reported to have made a €30m (£25m) bid for Lazio centre-back Luiz Felipe in the January transfer window, nor would it be surprising for the sporting director to make a second approach for the 25-year-old at the end of the season – as he is set to leave the Stadio Olimpico upon the expiry of his contract this summer.

And, considering how impressive the defender has been in Italy in the current campaign, Luiz Felipe would very much appear to be something of a perfect candidate to replace Koch in Marsch’s side.

Indeed, over his 27 Serie A appearances this season, the £16.2m-rated Brazilian has helped his side keep five clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and 3.4 clearances per fixture, as well as being dribbled past just 0.5 times and winning 3.8 duels – at a success rate of 54% – per game.

These returns have seen the £24k-per-week defender who Jerry Mancini claimed possesses “significant pace” and labelled “quality” average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating 7.01, ranking him as Maurizio Sarri’s seventh-best player in the Italian top flight.

As such, if a deal for Luiz Felipe is there to be done this summer, it would indeed appear a wise move for Orta to launch an offensive for the Lazio centre-back – something which would subsequently allow the sporting director to move Koch onto pastures new.

AND in other news: Sold at £13m, now worth £100m: Leeds had a mare on 20 y/o “everyone is talking about”

Leeds United continue to monitor the situation of Ryan Kent ahead of this summer’s transfer window, and it’s thought that the winger would seriously consider a switch to Elland Road…

What’s the word?

That’s according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who delivered a fresh update on the 25-year-old’s future at Rangers amid persistent interest from west Yorkshire.

Just last month, Football Insider claimed that the Whites had a long-standing interest in the Oldham-born talent, whose future in Scotland is in doubt as he enters the final 15 months of his current contract. He remains on Leeds’ radar, even despite the departure of Marcelo Bielsa.

“If Leeds were to meet that [his £20m release clause], I’m sure it’s something that Ryan Kent would seriously consider, moving back down to England and to the Premier League at this stage of his career,” the reporter told GIVEMESPORT.

Summer boost?

With uncertainty over the futures of Raphinha and Jack Harrison, who both have been linked with interest from Paris Saint-Germain, FC Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur respectively, it would make sense for Leeds to remain keen on Kent.

The £12.6m-rated left-winger has continued to impress north of the border, delivering 19 goal contributions across 36 appearances this season, building on his efforts of 13 goals and 15 assists during their title-winning campaign last term, via Transfermarkt.

In 164 games for the Teddy Bears, Kent has delivered 30 goals and 44 assists, averaging a direct contribution once every 177 minutes.

Such form has seen him lauded as a “magician” by Gers teammate Leon Balogun, whilst journalist Andrew Dickson described him as “completely unplayable” on his day only a few months ago.

It seems more likely than not that the Brazil international leaves Elland Road in the summer, though things are less clear for Harrison, so paying £20m for Kent would surely be fantastic business for the club and they have been boosted by these comments from transfer expert O’Rourke.

Whilst it would be painful to see Raphinha – who is in “advanced talks” with the LaLiga outfit – leave, they can soften the blow with the arrival of the former Liverpool graduate this summer, and that should leave many around west Yorkshire absolutely delighted.

AND in other news, Orta could truly kickstart the Marsch era at Leeds by signing £75m-rated “big talent”…

According to a report from GhanaWeb, Celtic are closing in on the signing of Bayern Munich attacking midfielder Christopher Scott. 

The lowdown: Scott interest

The 19-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Glasgow giants in recent months and it would appear that interest is only going to grow stronger in the coming weeks.

Previously a rising star at Bayer Leverkusen, Scott made the switch to Bundesliga powerhouses Bayern Munich in 2020, where he has featured just twice for their first-team.

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Now as the German youngster’s contract heads towards a July expiry (Transfermarkt), Celtic could be set to swoop…

The latest: Fresh update emerges

As per GhanaWeb, the Hoops are believed to be ‘pushing to sign’ Scott, who has even been compared to Chelsea star Kai Havertz by the Bundesliga’s official website.

The report states that Celtic are hoping to ‘strike’ a £250,000 deal to bring the 18 time-capped Germany youth international to Parkhead at the end of the season.

Bayern are apparently willing to let the player leave, who has the option to pursue international football for either Germany or Ghana.

The verdict: Back the boss

Having already blessed the Hoops’ squad with an array of high-quality players since arriving, supporters can be excited by the prospect of any player coming to Lennoxtown to work with Ange Postecoglou.

So far this season Scott – who was described as ‘quick, strong and an excellent dribbler’ by ex-boss Hansi Flick – has scored six times and registered four assists in 14 appearances in the German fourth tier for Bayern’s second string.

Predominantly a central attacking midfielder, the talented teenager can also operate from wide and deeper positions and would therefore add exciting versatility to the Celtic squad.

In other news, pundit urges Celtic manager to recall attacking threat. Find out more here.

West Ham United are reportedly interested in a deal for Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile, according to the latest reports…

What’s the word?

As per Calciomercatio, the Hammers are believed to be one of the clubs keeping an eye on the 21-year-old, with Serie A giants Juventus and Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund also credited with an interest in the Frenchman.

Previous reports have suggested the 6 foot 4 colossus could be available for a fee in the region of £33m, with two years still to run on his existing deal at Stade Louis II, making him an attractive option in the upcoming window.

The France U21 international had seemingly come close to a Premier League switch in January, with Newcastle United heavily linked with securing his services, albeit with the St James’ park outfit eventually settling on a move for Brighton’s Dan Burn.

Ogbonna Upgrade

With a top-four place still potentially within their grasp and with a Europa League semi-final clash on the horizon, things are currently going swimmingly for David Moyes’ side, with the Scotsman having worked wonders since the start of his second stint in charge.

Much of the former Manchester United manager’s success has been in recruitment, with the 58-year-old continually making astute moves in the market after a scattergun approach under his predecessor Manuel Pellegrini.

In Badiashile, the Hammers boss could well have found his next perfect acquisition, with the youngster having previously been dubbed a “great talent” by Monaco vice president Oleg Petrov, following his eye-catching displays for the Ligue 1 outfit.

As evidenced by his soaring market valuation – the £14k-per-week star having seen his value rise from £135k to £25.2m in the space of just three years – the starlet is only seemingly going to keep progressing in the coming years.

At just 21, he also represents an ideal and timely replacement for current first-team favourite Angelo Ogbonna, with the Italian central defender set to turn 34 at the end of May and with possible doubts over what his level will be once he returns from his long-term absence.

Both left-footed and of similar build – with the more senior man marginally shorter at 6 foot 3 – the two have very similar playing styles, making the younger man a potentially ideal replacement for the long-serving veteran.

Equally, there is also evidence to suggest that the potential new arrival is already outperforming the one-time Torino man.

In the 11 games the current West Ham man has played in the top-flight this season, he has averaged just one interception and 0.6 tackles per game, as per SofaScore, while by contrast, Badiashile has registered 1.1 interceptions and 1.4 tackles per 90, in his 19 league outings.

Even in his youth, the Limoges-born star already offers a wealth of experience, having already made 114 appearances for his current side – chipping in with three goals and three assists in that time – since making his senior debut back in 2018.

With just three clean sheets to his name this season and a fairly meagre 6.93 match rating, as per SofaScore, in the French top-flight, there is obvious room for improvement, although Moyes has already shown he can coax the best out of those at his disposal.

AND in other news, Time to go: Moyes must ruthlessly axe WHU’s £61k-p/w “monster” as big claim emerges…

West Ham United are closing in on the signing of Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car as the January transfer window draws nearer to its close.

What’s the story?

It’s been a slow start to the window for David Moyes’ side, with the Hammers struggling to make any inroads in terms of any incomings, but that appears to be coming to an end very soon.

According to French publication L’Équipe du Soir, Caleta-Car should be on his way to the London Stadium shortly, and that while fellow Premier League sides Wolves and Newcastle were interested in him, it’s West Ham who have won the race for him.

First major signing for West Ham

With the injury struggles the Hammers have had this season, particularly in defence, the addition of an experienced defender like Caleta-Car is welcome news for West Ham fans.

The 25-year-old has been a regular for Marseille in recent seasons, but he has been in and out of the side this term, with Jorge Sampaoli seemingly favouring Arsenal loanee William Saliba as the right-sided central defender.

Despite the lack of game-time, Caleta-Car has shown the kind of imposing centre-back that he is, winning a monstrous 74% of his total duels in Ligue 1 this year, and winning 75% of those contested in the air – exactly the kind of return that Moyes will surely love.

Indeed, former Liverpool defender and Caleta-Car’s Croatia teammate Dejan Lovren has tipped the centre-back to shine in the Premier League, claiming: “He is physically very strong, stronger than other players. He will explode in a few years and become even stronger.”

The 20-cap star would be a fine addition to the West Ham defence for the second half of this season.

Meanwhile, West Ham have made their “first offer” for this Ligue 1 striker…

Manchester United are interested in signing “outstanding” Juventus striker Paulo Dybala this summer, and he could be the perfect replacement for Edinson Cavani at Old Trafford.

What’s the story?

United are poised to move to sign Juventus striker Dybala, according to reports from Corriere dello Sport in Italy, the Red Devils want to make him one of Erik ten Hag’s first signings at the club.

This isn’t the first time that the 28-year old has been linked with a move to the Theatre of Dreams. Two years ago the club were linked with a swap deal involving then United player Romelu Lukaku, but nothing materialised.

Now could be a great time to make this happen with Cavani out of contract at Old Trafford in the summer and it being unlikely he will sign an extension.

He could be the perfect Cavani replacement

When Cavani joined the Red Devils on a free transfer in 2020 there was a lot of optimism. However, given the clubs past record of failing to get the best out of proven players, some were wondering what would happen.

Thankfully the move has proven to be successful with the Uruguayan being directly involved in 26 goals in 56 appearances. Although the unplanned return of Cristiano Ronaldo has led to much less game time for him this season.

When he departs United will need to fill the place left behind from not only him, but Mason Greenwood who is no longer involved with the team.

Dybala represents the perfect player for this, with the £222k per week star out of contract this summer.

The potential exciting arrival of Ten Hag, and the chance to link up with his former team mate Ronaldo, could persuade him to finally come to the Premier League.

He has suffered a lot with injuries this season missing 83 days which would be the only concern for United. However, when they don’t have to fork out an extortionate transfer fee it makes things less risky.

Dybala’s record for the Old Lady is pretty good, being directly involved in 161 goals in 286 games. He’s experienced and used to playing for a top club just like Cavani.

If you compare the two based on their form last season, Dybala is better in quite a few areas. When it comes to goal creating actions per 90 minutes he beats the 35-year old with 4.93 compared to 2.23.

That may be down to the fact that Cavani is more of a poacher than a creator. But United already have that in Ronaldo, so replacing the Uruguayan with someone who offers more is what United should be doing.

But with Ronaldo also being linked with a potential exit, it could be bye-bye to the Portuguese star and a welcome to Old Trafford for Argentina’s Dybala.

IN other news: Man Utd eye Ten Hag’s first signing in £20.6m “rising star”, he’s a major Fred upgrade – opinion

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has revealed that Celtic are ‘confident’ of signing Jota on a permanent deal, as per GiveMeSport.

The Lowdown: January talks

The Hoops were busy during the winter transfer window, with Ange Postecoglou bringing in five players after signing 12 in the summer.

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Matt O’Riley was the final man through the door last month, and it could have been more, with Michael Nicholson in talks with Benfica and Tottenham regarding permanent deals for loanees Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers.

As we know, full-time transfers are yet to go through for the pair, but Celtic still have the option to purchase both at a combined fee of £12.5m.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments on Jota

O’Rourke was talking to GiveMeSport in a story shared on Monday evening.

He admitted that Celtic are ‘confident’ of finalising a move for Jota and added that there wasn’t a rush to push through a deal last month, saying: “I think Celtic are confident they can get this deal done. There wasn’t any major urgency to do it in January.”

The Verdict: 1st summer signing?

It appears as if Jota could well be the club’s first summer signing following this update, which would be brilliant news for all involved at Celtic Park.

The Portuguese winger has been one of a number of impressive attackers for the club this season, contributing to 15 goals in 24 games. He has been Postecoglou’s go-to option on the left-hand side of a front three and has also turned out on the right when required.

Therefore, should a permanent transfer go through, Jota could nail down the left-wing role for years to come alongside Kyogo Furuhashi in the middle and Liel Abada on the right, which has already proven to be an exciting front three.

In other news: ‘Seen the reports’ – Kieran Devlin ‘surprised’ as Celtic now move for nine-position ace

Celtic midfielder Ismaila Soro has been left out of Ange Postecoglou’s Europa Conference League squad, Football Scotland report.

The Lowdown: Soro under Ange

Soro, labelled as a player with ‘real drive’ by Neil Lennon, has made 19 appearances under Postecoglou this season.

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However, only six of those have come as a starter, making just one appearance in the Scottish Premiership from the off.

He appears to have fallen down the midfield pecking order in recent months and nearly sealed a deadline day exit to join Fortuna Sittard after being transfer listed.

The Latest: Major squad update

Relayed by Football Scotland’s Mark McDougall, Soro has been left out of the club’s 25-man Europa Conference League squad ahead of the clash with Bodo/Glimt.

Soro, along with Osaze Urhoghide and Liam Shaw, who left on loan last month, have been excluded, with January signings Reo Hatate, Matt O’Riley and Daizen Maeda coming in.

The Verdict: Makes sense

With Soro barely featuring under Postecoglou, it seems to be the right call to leave him out so the new arrivals can be included.

The Hoops still have six central midfielders to pick from in their 25-man squad, including David Turnbull, who may end up returning from injury this month following his inclusion.

Soro still has over two years remaining on his Celtic contract, so you’d expect that the club will be looking to move him on in the summer, or perhaps over the coming weeks, with some countries still able to complete their winter business.

In other news: ‘Seen the reports’ – Kieran Devlin ‘surprised’ as Celtic and Ange now move for nine-position ace. 

Despite securing a deal for 21-year-old winger Chiquinho in recent days, Wolves still have enough time left in the January transfer window to add some more players to Bruno Lage’s squad as they aim to secure a European place in the Premier League this season.

One potential deal that the Old Gold could look to complete is for Barcelona’s 24-year-old winger Ousmane Dembele, who has been mentioned with a move to Molineux recently with current Wolves winger Adama Traore possibly going in the other direction.

With the Spanish club apparently telling Dembele to leave by the end of the month if he’s not willing to sign a new deal at Camp Nou, this is a situation that Wolves could potentially pounce upon to bring the Frenchman to Molineux for a fresh start away from Barcelona.

Having been compared to a young Cristiano Ronaldo by former Rennes sporting director Mikael Silvestre in terms of his characteristics on the pitch, Dembele has shown throughout his career that he is capable of scoring and setting up goals in a similar vein to the iconic Portuguese attacker. The 24-year-old has scored 53 goals and delivered 50 assists in 208 senior club appearances for Rennes, Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona across all competitions.

In addition to his comparison with Ronaldo, the £27m-rated winger has also been the subject of lofty praise from another footballing icon, with Lionel Messi describing his former Barcelona teammate as a “phenomenon” on the pitch.

If Jeff Shi and Wolves see a possibility of being able to secure a financially viable deal for Dembele this month, they should definitely go for it to see if he would be willing to test his game in the Premier League and put what seems to be an unsavoury situation with Barcelona behind him to potentially become Wolves’ own version of Ronaldo.

Given his fairly young age and Traore’s reported intention to leave Molineux, Dembele could also be Wolves’ dream replacement for the Spaniard and offer Lage’s side more of a goal threat going forward, given how Traore has only netted 11 goals in 153 Old Gold appearances across all competitions.

However, with a significant injury record against his name, this could potentially put off Wolves or any other club considering a move for Dembele from actually doing so.

In other news: Sky Sports journalist drops Wolves transfer update live on air, Lage will be delighted